Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: rtillery02 on February 20, 2014, 04:27:45 pm

Title: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: rtillery02 on February 20, 2014, 04:27:45 pm
Got a new R/E dealer just 30 miles from home, looked like the new C5 was headin for my garage...till I located the T-Bird info.  Are there any ideas as to just when we can expect the arrival of this model to the US? I'll be sad if I purchase the C5 then find that the T-Bird style fits me better.  The 19" frt. & 18" rr. tire combo is bound to change the ride some. Any thoughts? R.Tillery
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: ace.cafe on February 20, 2014, 05:15:20 pm
I can't speak for the US importer, but I have heard of no announcement that the Thunderbird would be exported. As far as I know, and as far as past history has been, the T-Bird is an India Home Market bike only.

Regarding the 19" front wheel and 18" rear wheel, the C5 already has that since last year.

Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on February 21, 2014, 05:56:49 am
I believe the Thunderbird is staying an India only option, which is a shame. That being said I think it would have to be sold under a different name outside India anyway as Triumph sells a motorcycle in the rest of the world under the Thunderbird name, so there might be trademark issues as well.

I like the blacked out engine on the Thunderbird and its bigger tank still works. The frame is somewhat similar to the G5. It is aimed at a younger demographic that wanted an Enfield but not a bullet. One of the major efforts since Eicher motors took over Royal Enfield is to reestablish the Royal Enfield brand and to have the company be more than the bullet. The Thunderbird and Continental GT are great efforts at making that happen.

The Indian press is buzzing with the fact that Eicher stated their expected output for 2014 is 280,000 motorcycles, 30,000 more than expected. They also announced yet more investments in both their factories with a goal of 500,000 motorcycles a year in the next couple of years. I will dig up the articles and post links. Its fascinating.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: barenekd on February 21, 2014, 11:10:44 pm
I  gotta get into my way back machine to remember all the stuff that the Thunderbird had different to keep it from being exported as is. A carburettor, for sure. Carbs are essentially dead as for as smog crap goes. I didn't like the styling particularly, too cruiserish. They want a home market model with the old stuff on it so all the Enfield techs over there can still fix it with a hammer and 2X4. Basically, if they did bring it over, highly unlikely, I wouldn't have bought one.
Bare
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on February 21, 2014, 11:21:34 pm
It's got dual spark plugs.  That's different enough that I expect CMW would need to run it through whole EPA approval process before they could import it.

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Arizoni on February 22, 2014, 05:41:49 am
The T Bird is a Indian version of a cruiser with very mild semi ape hanger handlebars, separate speedometer and tachometer and a simple chrome headlight shell.

They have a single saddle with a large step between the rider and the pillion.

http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/thunderbird-500

If they were brought into the US they would have to compete with all of the big Japanese bike makers cruisers and IMO, the T Bird would lose badly both on price and performance.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on February 22, 2014, 04:44:18 pm
  I'm thinking if they sold it here. They may have to call it the " Streetthump".  This is the local version.... plus one jug and pipe.

 http://image.motorcyclecruiser.com/f/10987802+w750+st0/xl+2006_harley_davidson_dyna_street_bob+ride_right_view.jpeg.jpg
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: barenekd on February 22, 2014, 07:16:03 pm
Quote
It's got dual spark plugs.  That's different enough that I expect CMW would need to run it through whole EPA approval process before they could import it.

That was the point of my comment. With the carb currently on it, it's start all over time.
Bare
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: mattsz on February 23, 2014, 11:58:34 am
But doesn't it use the same UCE our imports use?  Couldn't they bolt on the same EFI, emissions bits, and single-spark head and be good to go here in the US?

Not that I care - I'm not a fan of the T-bird.  But if there was a market for them here, and it would mean more sales, more riders, and a better network...   (http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/ne_nau.gif)
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on February 23, 2014, 04:34:51 pm
But doesn't it use the same UCE our imports use?  Couldn't they bolt on the same EFI, emissions bits, and single-spark head and be good to go here in the US?

Not that I care - I'm not a fan of the T-bird.  But if there was a market for them here, and it would mean more sales, more riders, and a better network...   (http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/ne_nau.gif)

  GOOD question.  If the bike has a different model name, but retains all the same Engine components. Would it have to go through a separate EPA approval ? 
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on February 23, 2014, 05:06:33 pm
The thunderbird is fuel injected with the same Keihin fuel injection system as the C5, G5, etc. I might have slightly different ECU mappings to handle the extra weight of the bike.

From what I can see the whole goal of the Thunderbird is to expand beyond the bullet. Also, it looks to be clearly aimed at younger riders who want a bike that isn't a bullet. I like the look of the blacked out engine and the bigger tank looks really good. Also, the fact that it has disc brakes front and back is really nice.

I think Royal Enfield doesn't export the Thunderbird because they see themselves somewhat as a heritage brand.

They are outperforming pretty much every other brand in India. That being said I think Hero is doing some exciting things with Eric Buell. Its a great time to be a motorcyclist in India and all over the world.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on February 23, 2014, 11:37:31 pm
The whole motor, intake, and exhaust would have to be the exact same to be imported.  Otherwise you need a whole new round if EPA testing.  They coul do it, but as already mentioned, they'd be in a segment with tons of competition.

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: nigelogston@gmail.com on February 27, 2014, 10:56:11 am
Interesting:  This whole question was "thrashed" in a previous string I started when the T 500 first came out and it met with oddly very little enthusiasm.  As far as the idea that RE would keep the T 500 in India only because it is marketing "tradition" to the rest of the world, I would point out that
1)  Their stated intention is to capture the international mid-size market
2) The T 500 is a vastly more practical bike in all respects than the GT
3) Other than the tank colour, there is nothing "traditional" about the GT to really link it back to the "continental GT 250 " of yore:  it has completely different frame, displacement , brakes, fuel mgt and so on. But it is a sweet bike and they will do well with it.  As they could with the T 500

I said before and say again, that as a single machine to step into the international mid size real world commuting market, the T 500 ticks all the boxes right now.  And if they can do for pricing on it what they have done in US across the rest of the range,   think they would be quite competitive with other brands.

I will add one quote from a previous string :
"
I don't have any idea what RE intends with the Electra G 5 model line, but I do think the Thunderbird is the way forward.   And I don't really see any good reason that it would not do well here.   It is modern with heritage, very practical, has astounding fuel economy and range, front and rear disc brakes on a light and nimble frame and a host of other practical features for the modern rider /commuter. I happen to think it looks pretty good too, without in any way being eiher a Harley Clone or a plastic Darth Vader transformer toy lookalike. I would buy one over a G 5  (and I would buy a G 5 over C 5 ).
I think a new era of practical motorcyling is dawning driven by fuel costs, not unlike the golden era of workingman practical motorcyling that spawned all the 500 singles in the first place.  And the bikes that thrived back then were the best, most modern and fully featured (practical featuresn not gimmicks) of their time.  No reason to expect it to be different now. Factor in insurance costs per displacement, the market wide downsizing in dispaclement and the appearance of a lot of mid and small bikes with escellent features but devoid of character, and I believe the stage is set for a new era for RE .  Just my opinion "   Nigel
Sorry that my spelling sucked --gets worse the more passionate I get

 
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on February 27, 2014, 11:00:29 pm
Passion is the hallmark of the true motorist.  :D
You make good points too. A motorcycle can, and should, be so much more than a sunday's toy. My Electra carries groceries as well as camping gear. It goes on where the pavement stops. It is much cheaper than a car and takes less space.
Excellent for body, soul and mind, just what the doctor ordered.  ;D
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: REpozer on February 27, 2014, 11:50:37 pm
Interesting:  This whole question was "thrashed" in a previous string I started when the T 500 first came out and it met with oddly very little enthusiasm.  As far as the idea that RE would keep the T 500 in India only because it is marketing "tradition" to the rest of the world, I would point out that
1)  Their stated intention is to capture the international mid-size market
2) The T 500 is a vastly more practical bike in all respects than the GT
3) Other than the tank colour, there is nothing "traditional" about the GT to really link it back to the "continental GT 250 " of yore:  it has completely different frame, displacement , brakes, fuel mgt and so on. But it is a sweet bike and they will do well with it.  As they could with the T 500

I said before and say again, that as a single machine to step into the international mid size real world commuting market, the T 500 ticks all the boxes right now.  And if they can do for pricing on it what they have done in US across the rest of the range,   think they would be quite competitive with other brands.

I will add one quote from a previous string :
"
I don't have any idea what RE intends with the Electra G 5 model line, but I do think the Thunderbird is the way forward.   And I don't really see any good reason that it would not do well here.   It is modern with heritage, very practical, has astounding fuel economy and range, front and rear disc brakes on a light and nimble frame and a host of other practical features for the modern rider /commuter. I happen to think it looks pretty good too, without in any way being eiher a Harley Clone or a plastic Darth Vader transformer toy lookalike. I would buy one over a G 5  (and I would buy a G 5 over C 5 ).
I think a new era of practical motorcyling is dawning driven by fuel costs, not unlike the golden era of workingman practical motorcyling that spawned all the 500 singles in the first place.  And the bikes that thrived back then were the best, most modern and fully featured (practical featuresn not gimmicks) of their time.  No reason to expect it to be different now. Factor in insurance costs per displacement, the market wide downsizing in dispaclement and the appearance of a lot of mid and small bikes with escellent features but devoid of character, and I believe the stage is set for a new era for RE .  Just my opinion "   Nigel
Sorry that my spelling sucked --gets worse the more passionate I get
It is , as you wish.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2014/honda/rebel/base/146451/05/
Yes, all blocks have been ticked....already,  and that is the problem.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on February 28, 2014, 02:21:47 am
Hmm, I'm not into cruisers so I might not be best suited to judge.
However, thinking of the Thunderbirds as sported by our Indian brethern, comparing these to the rebel, I say Thunderbird wins hands down.  8)
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: JVS on February 28, 2014, 04:29:49 am
Nothing against the T-bird...but with the UCE500 and the amount of power it produces, I don't think it will appeal to many average joes who travel on the highway quite a bit. Just saying. Unless the rider plans to take in the scenery and takes country roads  :D

It is more suited to Indian roads and traffic, no?
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: nigelogston@gmail.com on February 28, 2014, 10:53:54 am
I am not so sure about that.   I hear that comment a lot , and maybe for "superslab" freeways it is true,  but where I am from , the max speed on our roads is 100 kph (62 mph) even on the multilane highway 401 through Toronto.   This is well within the limits of any of the Enfield models ---even within their comfort zone for vibration and "all day long" endurance, (though I would say definitely pushing the Rebel's limits which would also be pretty skittish at such speeds or with passing transport truck air-wash) .  Now I will freely admit I have not had the chance to ride any of the Enfields.  I do however commute daily on a Honda Sabre 1100 , which though capable of 100 mph, I seldom push above 70:  for one thing I am just not in that much of a hurry, and for another , I don't need the tickets.
So as to the difference between Indian roads and ours, I would say that by and large that has more to do with potholes, and an equal argument could be made that are are far better suspended bikes than RE's for potholes in India.  The common factors globally are fuel prices, and human emotion.   In terms of motorcycles the last is probably the biggest.  Royal Enfields have that something that tugs at the emotions and passion.  The fact that they are road capable economical, and now much more affordable I think makes them very real contenders. I prefer the styling of the G 5, but would definitely be swayed to the T 500 just by the combination of the huge tank and incredible mileage.  As far as "cruiser vs standard" , whats in a name? Both are pretty much upright sitting. I kinda like the higher bars on the t 500. And I really like front and rear disk brakes.    Nigel
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: GreenMachine on February 28, 2014, 03:57:52 pm
Why not try one of these..My wife has the carb cruiser model..The new ones are FI, under 4k and have close to 30 HP at the rear....They get excellent gas mileage and come in a variety of configurations....

http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/new_product/introduction.asp?Cat=StreetBike&model=GT250&year=2014

Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Craig McClure on February 28, 2014, 09:56:24 pm
I DON'T LIKE THE THUNDERBIRD. I know it's basically a UCE with EFI. Riding with forward pegs is goofy & very hard on the back, handling suffers, & you look like your sitting on the toilet. I don't like the seat or the aluminum junk behind it. Don't care for the rest of the surface gimmicks, or overall cosmetic styling. It's a WANNA BE SOMETHING ELSE BIKE to me, that looks like it was designed by a committee, to be more "Hip, Now & With It" & completely misses the point of prolonging something already excellent, that does not at all need a garish facelift. Why pander to the uninformed? Let them buy their own rattle can of paint. 
If I offended anyone, I'm only a slightly sorry.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on February 28, 2014, 11:52:00 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W0ivyZwv2E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W0ivyZwv2E)

Nice sound though  ;D
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 01, 2014, 12:34:39 am
I DON'T LIKE THE THUNDERBIRD. ... It's a WANNA BE SOMETHING ELSE BIKE to me, that looks like it was designed by a committee, to be more "Hip, Now & With It" & completely misses the point of prolonging something already excellent, that does not at all need a garish facelift. Why pander to the uninformed? Let them buy their own rattle can of paint. 
If I offended anyone, I'm only a slightly sorry.

I think that's a very limited view point.  The bike wasn't made for the US, it was made for India, and for many reasone in that country you can't go out and easily buy a Harley or Japanese clone we see everywhere in this country.  It's their style of cruiser.  It blends the heart and parts of the RE into their vision of the raked out, forward controls classic bike.  Not your style?  RE makes four other bikes.

Riding with forward pegs is goofy & very hard on the back, handling suffers, & you look like your sitting on the toilet.

I don't like forward controls and what a cruiser does to my back either.  I don't generally like the way cruisers handle or feel.  So I didn't buy one.  I also can't sit on most sport bikes for more than a few minutes without pain, so I don't have one of those either.  There are plenty of people out there who aren't uninformed, they just want something different from their motorcycle than I want from mine.  Some of them I really enjoy hanging out with, some I don't at all.

I really don't like the Thunderbird at all, so I move on with my day and don't really think about it.  If someone in this country wants one I don't feel the need to call them uninformed or tell them they'll look like they're sitting on the toilet.

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: JVS on March 01, 2014, 01:05:29 am
I am not so sure about that.   I hear that comment a lot , and maybe for "superslab" freeways it is true,  but where I am from , the max speed on our roads is 100 kph (62 mph) even on the multilane highway 401 through Toronto.   This is well within the limits of any of the Enfield models. 

I seldom push above 70:  for one thing I am just not in that much of a hurry, and for another , I don't need the tickets.
So as to the difference between Indian roads and ours, I would say that by and large that has more to do with potholes, and an equal argument could be made that are are far better suspended bikes than RE's for potholes in India.  The common factors globally are fuel prices, and human emotion.

Yep, see, as long as the speed bike maintains about tops of 62mph/100kmh, they can be enjoyed. However, these speeds are probably around the max Indian commuters can reach on a proper 'highway' with enough room to stay at that speed for a decent amount of time. Otherwise, they will barely go faster than 30-70km/h in everyday situations because of the traffic and what not. Now, at these speeds, these engines can be enjoyed a lot and will last the owner for a long, long time (with great mileage). It can go all over India, including demanding terrains at low-moderate speeds and still keep a smile on the rider's face. Thus, the bike is almost perfect as a 'cruiser' for the typical Indian motorcycle rider.

But when it comes to speeds in US/Euro/Australia/NZ, I am sure the limits can reach 70mph in places. At these speeds, there isn't much torque left for the bike to do quick/evasive overtakes. Accelerating from the lights on an Enfield doesn't happen in a flash either. The bike makes you go through each of the 5 gears by the time you reach 40mph/64kmh. But it has quite a bit of torque when needed (or you make the bike go through its paces). But there's no point, at least on a stock UCE anyway.  A passionate rider will love it for what it is, but it will not be the cup of tea for commuters looking for some 'decent' amount of power.  The key will always be to stay in the slow lane and keep your distance, instead of going fast. And you know this  ;)

Also, I think that not all riders want to enjoy the ride for what it is, i.e. some may prefer speed/reaching destination as quickly as possible.

Just an extension of my previous post.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on March 01, 2014, 02:37:50 am
  Speaking as an American Motorcyclist. With an American motorcyclists point of view.  The question of how would the Thunderbird sell here ? How would the cruiser market people receive it here?........  Not well IMHO.   Especially with it's small displacement for a cruiser.
  It may have some interest as a "beginners" bike for those who want a larger cruiser ?  But.... the Harley draw is huge here, and they now have a "beginners" bike.   Harley's Marketing and Mystic is enormous here.   I have a feeling.... because of the Thunderbirds styling, like many other "clones", it would be shunned here by many in the cruiser crowd.  Many.... not all...people who buy Clones here, Wind up selling their Clones to get the "real" thing,  through marketing, peer pressure , hype or whatever.  AND , the small displacement Clone cruiser market is not big here to begin with.

 Americans who go to brands like RE, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Ural, and etc. Are generally looking for something different, and certainly not a Clone of what they don't want... for the most part I would think. 

 But, with all that said. America is a big place and I think they would sell some of them.  Some Enfield enthusiasts ?....  People who like the idea of having something different perhaps?  Like us !

 And not a perfect comparison now, but I don't think Triumph sells a huge amount of  Bonneville America's here?  A better analogy may be...... Trying to sell Pizza Hut or Domino's Pizza in Italy ?.... Juuuust not quite right some how ?  Keep it REal....... 



 

Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on March 01, 2014, 07:17:08 pm
Right on the money Gashousegorilla.
Goes as well for Europe too, and I would dare to include Australia and New Zealand too. Because they lack the mystic of the vintage, as we know, csq knew, it.
There is a parallel in both perceptions, though.  ;)
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on March 02, 2014, 12:59:56 am
Right on the money Gashousegorilla.
Goes as well for Europe too, and I would dare to include Australia and New Zealand too. Because they lack the mystic of the vintage, as we know, csq knew, it.
There is a parallel in both perceptions, though.  ;)

  And I always thought french fries where ....... From France ?!   :o  Sheeesh.....  Americans   ::) ;)

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/belgian-fries/
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on March 02, 2014, 01:27:23 am
Fun link.  :D
An alternate version claims the term french does not refer to a nation but is an archaic term describing the method of slicing the potatoe (or potato).  :-\

If you ever happen to be in Belgium skip the official museum frietmuseum in Bruges for the unofficial one in Antwerp. Probably the single Museum in the World where you are encouraged to take and enjoy your fries indoors.  ;D

Oh, and you eat them with carbonades (stewed meat), and a decent beer (choice of over 200). Deli  :-*
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on March 02, 2014, 01:38:27 am


Oh, and you eat them with carbonades (stewed meat), and a decent beer (choice of over 200). Deli  :-*


   That would be like... " Irish  Corned beef "  ::)  With fries, instead of red potatoes ? Ummmmmmm.  And over here I have recently discovered Leffe, which I like quite alot  :P
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gremlin on March 02, 2014, 04:48:41 am
Why not try one of these..My wife has the carb cruiser model..The new ones are FI, under 4k and have close to 30 HP at the rear....They get excellent gas mileage and come in a variety of configurations....

http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/new_product/introduction.asp?Cat=StreetBike&model=GT250&year=2014

My wife has one as well. (GV250) metal skirted fenders, and, performance that rivals my B5.  she's very happy with it.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 02, 2014, 03:50:37 pm
Fun link.  :D
An alternate version claims the term french does not refer to a nation but is an archaic term describing the method of slicing the potatoe (or potato).  :-\

If you ever happen to be in Belgium skip the official museum frietmuseum in Bruges for the unofficial one in Antwerp. Probably the single Museum in the World where you are encouraged to take and enjoy your fries indoors.  ;D

Oh, and you eat them with carbonades (stewed meat), and a decent beer (choice of over 200). Deli  :-*

French does refer to the cut of the potatoes, think French cut green beans, long thin pieces.  And I believe Belgians are credited with developing the twice fried cooking method.

There's a French fry museum???   There are two?????  Two more things added to my bucket list :)

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: GreenMachine on March 02, 2014, 03:59:48 pm
Gremlin: My wife has one as well. (GV250) metal skirted fenders, and, performance that rivals my B5.  she's very happy with it

I leave it with the battery in over the Winter and take it out on those few but good riding days....So far just Oil changes and the occasional  chain adjustments...That 250 isn't a bad little engine either as I'm comparing it to the previous rebel ... GM
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Royalista on March 02, 2014, 10:46:35 pm
French does refer to the cut of the potatoes, think French cut green beans, long thin pieces.  And I believe Belgians are credited with developing the twice fried cooking method.

There's a French fry museum???   There are two?????  Two more things added to my bucket list :)

Scott

In the interest of the RE brotherhood an easy checklist to authenticate french fries (aka frieten):
The most important characteristic, a crunchy jacket with a soft inside (like a Bulleteer) cannot be achieved without proper thickness and the double fry.
-Should be long (4-6") with a crosssection of 3/8"*3/8".
-Pre-fried at 284°F, cooled off, final fry at 356°F.
-Best fat is mineral oil (arachide, corn, sunflower).
-Proper color is golden brown (achieved in the second fry).
-Salt neutralizes fat, so it is a good thing here.  ;)

Would be lovely to see a couple of Enfields in front of a frituur csq friterie. Even a Thunderbird would be acceptable.  ;D
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: mattsz on March 02, 2014, 11:17:43 pm
Would be lovely to see a couple of Enfields in front of a frituur csq friterie. Even a Thunderbird would be acceptable.  ;D

Hey, hey, c'mon Royalista!  None of that here - take it to the phototag thread!  ;)

I heard a story about a Canadian political official (I think... it's been a long time) with a language problem.  I can't remember; I guess it doesn't matter.  Anyway, the gist of it was, you can get what are known as "sheep fries", which are the fried testicles of a sheep.  This guy, or whoever, when offered this tasty treat, said he preferred "french fries"...

Anyway, I heard that from a French-speaker in Canada, and he thought it was hi-larious...
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: nigelogston@gmail.com on March 03, 2014, 01:42:57 pm
Cant comment on the Canadian trivia, but can tell you IT IS -30 CELSIUS AGAIN ----------(22 below in you terms ) -----FRIG..............................ID       ENOUGH ALREADY
Which leaves  California dreaming and motorcycle obession as the only sane alternatives:
So how about this? Grant the t bird is not everyones cup of tea.  And for the record (again) the C 5 just doesn't do it for me.  However, the Continental GT is getting some serious kudos in international reviews for handling and "real world " performance (meaning it can go faster than 70 and corners /tracks really well thanks to the "featherbed" type dual frame. )
So how about the rolling chassis/drive train  of a a GT  (535 spiffed up cams, lightened flywheel , front and rear discs, aluminum rims) with the body work fenders and "nacelle" of the venerable G 5 .   A parts bin solution resulting in what I think , would arguably be the  best retro bike available with practucality , functionality , style and vintage cachee.  .   
Just saying is all...............  Not trying to start a war.


Nigel
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 03, 2014, 03:04:49 pm
Now that'd be something!  A GT with the iconic nacelle of the RE and upright bars. 

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on March 03, 2014, 04:16:31 pm

 
So how about the rolling chassis/drive train  of a a GT  (535 spiffed up cams, lightened flywheel , front and rear discs, aluminum rims) with the body work fenders and "nacelle" of the venerable G 5 .   A parts bin solution resulting in what I think , would arguably be the  best retro bike available with practucality , functionality , style and vintage cachee.  .   
Just saying is all...............  Not trying to start a war.


Nigel


 THAT sounds more like it .... And a good idea.  I wouldn't doubt that they go to that frame in the future, if not the motor as well for the  rest of the bikes. Perhaps when and IF they come out with a parallel twin.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: nigelogston@gmail.com on March 03, 2014, 04:48:47 pm
Why wait for spring....do it now.    All the R and D is done , the parts all exist ,and this would be an excellent horizontal proliferation into the "mid size " market with a real looking motorcyle (no offence to GT lovers;   I like it too) that gives us immediate highway capability in North American terms "For the American Highway"    Also apropos Scotty's ringing endorsement, I would just add, slide the pegs a bit forward on that rolling chassis so you are back to the standard seating to go with the old bars.    You heard it here first !  (Hope Kevin and RE India are listening )
(If you think about, this would be a big step toward the "Juiced Uce" ACE Cafe is working on and just sets the bar a little higher with the stock package to work from.  All good.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 03, 2014, 05:58:09 pm
The only limitation I can see is that reports so far say the 535 isn't that much better than the standard 500 UCE.  Then again, probably a better base engine to hot rod.

Scott
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: gashousegorilla on March 03, 2014, 06:16:51 pm
  And..... I would think, from a marketing stand point perhaps. The Factory "Special" GT, would not be AS special.... at least for the time being.
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: suitcasejefferson on March 20, 2014, 03:22:32 pm
I actually think the T-Bird would be a bad idea in the U.S. The whole appeal of RE to me is because it is a vintage bike. A real genuine vintage bike that you can still buy brand new. The T-Bird looks much like a Japanese cruiser, especially the Suzuki S40. One of the reasons I am losing interest in Japanese bikes is that they have become too modern. That made RE an attractive alternative. A real motorcycle made of real metal that looks and sounds like what a motorcycle should look and sound like. I have to admit that I would have preferred a carb, but the EPA is to blame for that, not RE. But I would hate to see RE become too "modern"
Title: Re: Thunderbird 500 ??
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 20, 2014, 03:36:32 pm
Teh S40 and its previous incarnation, the Savage, are nice bikes with belt drive and a big 650 single that sell in extremely low numbers.  Nothing wrong with it, it just doesn't sell.  I suspect you're right and the Thunderbird would suffer the same fate here in the US.  There's a used one at the local Triumph dealer that I think has been there more than a year.

Scott